Police officers give public safety tips

Police warn of home burglaries, phone scams

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Nassau County Police officers from the 1st and 7th precincts spoke about how residents can deter crimes at a public safety meeting on June 21 at Wantagh Public Library. 

Nassau County Legislator Steve Rhoads said he hosted the forum to maintain communication between police and the community, and to allow residents to express their concerns. Issues discussed included car thefts, heroin use, phone scams and home burglaries.

Inspector Joseph Barbieri, commanding officer of the 7th Precinct, which includes Seaford and most of Wantagh, gave a presentation to residents about recent crimes. He noted that heroin is a growing problem in the area, with a significant amount of arrests made recently. In 2016, he said, 14 overdoses were reported in which a police officer administered Narcan, a heroin overdose antidote. “Narcan saves lives,” he said.

He explained that heroin use is often traced back to pill addiction. He advised residents to rid medicine cabinets of painkillers. There are drop-off bins at every precinct for pills in containers. Many overdoses occur in the home, he said. Barbieri also mentioned that when overdoses are reported, the individual is not arrested.

To prevent car thefts, Barbieri urged and never leave valuables in plain sight in vehicles. He also warned about residential burglaries. Leaving garage doors or even second-floor windows open invites burglars into homes, and he said not to leave ladders around near the house. Rhoads added that there are many new, inexpensive technologies to help prevent home invasions such as outdoor motion lights, alarm systems and doorbell cameras.

Lastly, Barbieri addressed an increasing amount of phone scams in the area. Some common scams include callers posing as PSEG, giving fake prizes, or saying a family member has been kidnapped or arrested. Barbieri said the best way to prevent being fooled is to not answer the phone when an unfamiliar number calls.

“We understand people act emotionally,” he said. “If this happens, call the precinct and we will help you figure it out.”

Officer Bill Taylor, one of two new POP officers in the 7th Precinct, introduced himself at the meeting. He explained his role as a problem-oriented police officer is responding to ongoing, “pain-in-the-neck” problems the community faces including parking and school conflicts. “We’re thrilled to have our POP officers back,” Rhoads said.

POP officers returned to every precinct in Nassau County this year. The purpose of the specialized officers is to keep close contact with the community to solve non-emergency issues.

Rhoads spoke about more ways to maintain smooth communication with police. One way was to sign up for the website, www.smart911.com. Residents can give police information about their home such as past burglaries, alarm systems or autistic children. “We’d like to have this information when responding to emergencies,” Taylor said. “It’s a great thing.”

Rhoads said that wherever a resident is, to call 911 if they see anything suspicious, whether at the train station or a neighbor’s home.

“Always say something,” he said. “You are the eyes and ears of the Police Department.”